You have probably seen road construction crews wearing bright yellow or orange vests on the side of the highway. It has come to the point where these and other high viz safety wear have become so ubiquitous that construction workers are hardly recognizable without them. High visibility safety apparel are not just required; they're also life-saving. From high-risk work environments to low-visibility conditions, the following examples will clearly illustrate why construction workers should wear hi vis work uniforms at all times.

Reduce the Risk of Accidents

In low-light conditions (including dawn and dusk), custom hi vis workwear immediately draws attention to a construction worker. High visibility clothing keeps workers safe and reduces the risk of accidents because of the reflective materials and bright colors incorporated into hi vis safety apparel. It will always be safest for construction workers to wear hi vis products, especially when a job site is near heavy traffic. 

Safer During Hazardous Weather

High visibility clothing should be a top priority during hazardous weather conditions, such as heavy rain or fog. Workers operating heavy machinery often rely on hi viz safety wear to help them keep track of coworkers on the ground. In addition to making workers more visible, high visibility safety wear can also provide some protection from the elements. For example, many high visibility garments are made with waterproof or water-resistant materials to keep workers dry during a rainy day. 

Easier to Find in an Emergency

Harsh weather, low lighting, smoke in the air, or dust from construction projects all dramatically reduce the visibility on a construction site. In emergency situations, having workers already wearing their hi vis safety apparel can ensure someone can quickly locate your workers even if they lose consciousness. 

All high visibility products provide additional information. Reflective strips or patches on custom hi vis workwear helps indicate the direction someone is facing. Reflective patches on the chest and back can also provide identifying information, such as the company name, giving rescuers contextual information about a worker in moments where this information is most necessary.

Easier for Drivers to See

Drivers must be able to see roadside crew members, such as highway construction teams or utility workers, because they often work in very close proximity to oncoming traffic. Remaining visible to drivers through the use of high visibility products means construction workers can remain seen and people can quickly get out of their way.

High visibility safety gear can also help keep a project on track and within budget. In addition to the soaring costs of workplace injuries, many safety features are required by law. Failure to adhere to these regulations may cost a construction company steep fines, potential penalties, and a host of other legal issues.

OSHA Compliant

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a federal agency in the United States that sets and enforces workplace safety standards. Unsurprisingly, OSHA has specific requirements related to high visibility gear on construction sites, which are designed to protect workers from accidents and injuries on the job.

According to OSHA, high visibility gear must be worn by construction workers exposed to vehicular traffic, such as workers directing traffic, setting up warning signs or cones, or performing other tasks that could put them at risk of being struck by a vehicle. The high visibility gear must be of the appropriate type and design and must be worn in a manner that provides maximum visibility to others.

Conclusion

High visibility clothing is a necessary protection and a legal requirement. There is no reason to put your workers and your business at risk, so implementing small safety measures like high visibility clothing and gear will save you time and money in the long run.

See the difference and get you custom hi vis workwear from Master Brands. You can count on us whenever you need hi vis products for your crew members. Improving safety, efficiency, and morale has never been easier now that you have found one of the top high visibility clothing suppliers. Start ordering all your custom high visibility clothing and gear from Master Brands!